Allagash Odyssey is a dark wheat beer aged for ten months, a portion in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless tanks. The recipe includes 2-row barley, malted wheat, a generous amount of roasted barley and Belgian candi sugar. This deep brown beer boasts an aroma of black treacle and raisin. The flavor hints at dates, with a mildly roasted finish imparted by aging in both medium and heavy toast American Oak barrels. The finish is dry, punctuated by vanilla.

A really good one. Bourbon alcoholly aroma, coca cola colour, lots of lace. But the taste, bourbon more than whiskey, and very drinkable. Went down really well, smooth on the tongue. A great example of wood working, with vanilla coming through. Suitable understated carbonation. A must try. (290 characters)

Pours a clear copper color with a khaki head that settles to a thin cap. Thick rings of lace form on the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, toffee, and wood with some nutty aromas. Taste is of malt, toffee, brown sugar, wood, and alcohol. There is a noticeable alcohol warming in the back of the throat after each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a light crispness. Overall, this is a very good beer but I enjoyed the taste more than the smell. (520 characters)

A: The beer is dark reddish brown in color and poured with a thin beige head.S: There are light aromas of dark fruits in the nose along with oak from the barrel aging.T: Similar to the smell, the taste has complex flavors of dark fruits along with notes of oak.M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.O: The beer is well balanced and hides its alcohol well. (402 characters)

A: Pours a dark brown that is ever-so-slightly transparent when held to the light. Thin tan head that dissipates with a little lacing in its wake.

S: A good amount of dark fruits. Not super pungent, but the only thing that really stands out. A bit of caramel and toffee in the background.

T: The dark fruits distinguish themselves a bit more alongside caramel, toffee, and some yeasty spices. Not picking up oak here or in the nose.

M: Fairly creamy. Medium body and good carbonation.

D: Better as it warms up past cellar temperature, but nothing terribly special at this point. It's lacking in any real depth, which is surprising given that the bottle is nearly a year old. (739 characters)

Taste: After the initial toasted bread and dark fruit (cherries, figs and dates). chocolate and vanilla, the flavor profile adds a range of interesting flavors (tobacco and bacon, primarily) but a woody element as well; the swallow allows all the flavors to blend together through the finish; when various phenols add an herbal, yeasty element

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate to high carbonation

Drinkability: One of the more impressive brews Allagash has released; this beer has tremendous complexity and is very enjoyable (881 characters)

The beer begins with a deep bugundy, brown, mohogany color with deep crimson highlights. Froathy carbonation releases an off-white and dense head that lasts the session and laces throughout. A very nice looking beer.

Very strong and mouth-watering aroma of malts, fruits, berries, and tartness lead the way with some nuttiness, carmels, and chocolate notes following closely behind. A mild woodsy and vineous note settles in the the nutty notes and completes the nose.

Equally strong flavors make for a powerful and complex beer. Fruits of apples, dates, figs, plumbs, grapes, and blackberries only start to describe the esters. This beer has quite the fruity profile. Maltiness won't be outdone though, showing heavy confectionate sweetness with toffee, sorgum, and brown sugars along with a cookie-dough breadiness. The berry flavors touch on the vineous tart and wood flavors that never dominate but always ride in the shadows of the malts, esters, and alcohols. Peppery phenols give a great balance to the sweetness in the absence of hops, but not over-doing it with plastics, medicinal notes, or fusal notes.

Full and rich to the initial sip, but by mid-palate the beer settles into a lightened and drinkable beer. Lingers a bit with the heated alcohols and premiere fruitiness.

A very nice Belgian Strong Dark Ale that comes pretty close to rivaling the Chimay Blue. (1,421 characters)

I picked this one up because sometimes Allagash really gets my attention. I knew I hadn't tried this one before so I wanted to give it a shot. The beer poured out as a nice dark brown color. There was a light lacing from the white head on the glass. The smell of the beer had some wheat, fig and wood aromas going on in there. The taste pulled all those things to gether with the addition of a minimal tartness and a hint of grapes or raison. The mouthfeel was pretty good, it had a decent carbonation it and it had a steady medium body as well. I'm glad I tried this one because I ended up liking it more than I expected to. Would drink this one again. (653 characters)

Bottle (February 2005 drank in January 2006): Poured a deep ruby color ale with a quite large off-white foamy head with better then average retention. Aroma of alcohol is detectable with some sweet malt. Taste has definite bourbon presence with some semi-sweet malt. Body is definitely thinner then expected. I was expecting a bit more complexity from this beer  no yeast signature, alcohol taste too evident, thin body. (422 characters)

Dark raspberry tea with a great deal of carbonation leading up to a gorgeous cap of golden ecru froth that filled more than half the glass on the pour. Backlighting brings out wonderful ruby highlights that make a fantastic looking beer look even better. Now this is how a BSDA should look.

The aroma is impressive. It was merely good initially, but with warming has acquired a power and a complexity that mirrors the flavor profile. With a wee bit more vividness and more definition, it could easily compete with the best Belgians. Hell, it just might do so now. I smell figs, tobacco and ground clove above all else.

Odyssey is amazingly delicious beer! Rarely, if ever, has my mouth been so awash in so many flavors that change from the beginning of each mouthful to the end. I've only had a few samples so far, but this might be the best BSDA that I've ever had. I bow before the brilliance of Allagash.

I'm not even sure where to begin in attempting to describe what I'm tasting. First off, this beer eschews power for nuance. That isn't to say that it isn't absolutely bursting with flavor, just that it's so refined and so angelic in the mouth that one doesn't feel as if they're being bullied the way that some big beers tend to do.

Sweetened fig puree, sticky dates, raisins, the finest oak-aged single batch bourbon, light molasses, dark toffee, plum jam, pipe tobacco, cloves... and on and on and on. Even though there's a considerable amount of sweetness, it doesn't come close to sticky or cloying. Like just about everything else about this beer, the sweet-bitter-sour balance is sheer perfection.

I originally felt that the mouthfeel was a tad too light to be deserving of the ultimate score. No longer. I can't imagine a more heavenly mouthfeel than the one greeting me with each and every sip... now that I'm well into the middle of the bottle. It's such a perfect (there's that word again) combination of suppleness, silkiness, light chewiness and buoyant carbonation that no other score is possible.

Allagash proved long ago that they're one of my favorite breweries in all the world. No other American brewer so reliably recreates the classically Belgian styles, and oftentimes meets and surpasses the best that that country has to offer. Simply put, Odyssey is an outstanding BSDA and is one of the best beers of any style that I've ever had the pleasure to drink. (2,403 characters)

Cork gives a good "phwup" and a half-inch of foam begins to swell in the neck of the bottle. Pours a deep raw umber shade of brown, with lighter garnet highlights in the light. A small one finger cap of foam rises and falls, leaving a ring around the oversized tulip glass.

Aroma is strong at first, and winds down as it sits for a little bit. Chocolate, dried cherry, vanilla bean, & twinge of alcohol after a vigorous swirl. Dried out bourbon barrel, and a slight nutty quality as well.

Rich taste of chocolate, underlying bourbon, roasted almond, and a mild bitterness along the sides of the tongue. Oak appears in the aftertaste, but isn't a main factor in the overall taste. Very balanced and delicious.

Medium bodied, not too heavy or boozy, although the alcohol is felt. A+ for this barrel-aged offering from Allagash... (917 characters)

Bottled 10/23/2006. 750ml Bottle served in a New Belgium Snifter at cellar temperature.

A - Poured a very nice and deep dark hazy mahogany colored brown with a big full head that stood at least three fingers high of tan colored lace. Great retention really kept this this up there too as it lasted for a good few minutes before finally, and reluctantly settling down into just a one inch high topper of lace and tons and tons of sticky foamy side glass remnants. A very nice appearence I would have to say.

S - The aroma was full of spice, from the first whiff I was picking up nutmeg, figs and hints of oak. A very nice brandy like alcohol smell as well. very full aroma as it warmed some other dark fruits, perhaps cherries or plums started to emerge and really become prominant. A nice grainy and earthy back was at the foreground the whole time as was a nice mellow caramel like sweetness that let everything just blend together.

T - Very well put together and alot more mellow then I thought it would be, the year in the cellar really did this one justice. The first flavors I noticed were a very nice presence of figs or prunes that really helped to push forward the spices that were laying underneath. As it warmed I really started to pick up the wood flavors, very well done and nothing overbearing here at all. The alcohol was there but had mellowed quite a bit leaving behind a slight brandy like warmeth but nothing that ws going to stop me now. The finish was long and drawn out with hints of earthy grains and a touch of fruit.

M - Very nice medium bodied ale that was really put together quite well. The carbonation had held up very well really giving it that full creamy feel. Seductively smooth this was the ideal balance of carbonation and smooth feel. Very nicely done.

D - I found this to be a very nice sipper. The alcohol in it was quite mellowed and the flavors went really with each other creating a very nice balance here. I enjoyed the entire bottle over the course of a couple hours and was quite pleased. I dont think I would have went for another one, but this was quite good.

Overall this was an excellent brew and one of the best I have had from Allagash. A superb barrel aged beer this combined the best of what they can do. I would gladly by another one day. Really a nice selection here that I would have to recommend. (2,357 characters)

Taste: Sweet, mildly roasted maltiness with a full taste of Keuken stroop. For only using a mere 10% wheat, I did feel it contributes significantly to the flavor, but that's just me. Handful of vanilla cookie crumbles. Distinct, yet well blended taste of toasted oak. Fig and banana fruitiness. A bit of alcohol heat on the malty, toffee sweet finish.

Drinkability: I enjoyed it, but I'm not going to lie to you, my friend really disliked this one. I hope this bottle of Odyssey hasn't formed an irreparable rift in our long-standing friendship. (876 characters)

A - Two fingers of fizzy, medium brown foam settles quickly and leaves a thick film of bubbles. The body is a nearly opaque amber-brown.

S - Strong aroma of dark fruit, black cherries and plums. Some yeasty spice and dark caramel with a hint of chocolate.

T - Dark, thick caramel up front with quite a bit of toffee in the background. Fruity esters, notes of banana and chocolate covered cherries. There is a slight roasted note, along with some spicy hops, in the finish but very little malt bitterness.

M - Medium to thick body, high carbonation, and a dry finish with noticeable alcoholic warmth.

D - A very enjoyable and flavorful beer. The dark fruit in the nose is unusually nice, and the smooth dark flavors coat the mouth nicely without ever overwhelming the palate. One of the better beers I have had from Allagash, this is capable of standing up against classic quadruples like Rochefort 10 and Chimay blue. (921 characters)

Quick poll: Ulysses or Odysseus? Anyway, this stuff pours a lightly-hazy sienna topped by a finger of glowing off-cream foam. The nose comprises earthy berries, light maple syrup, and dry biscuit. The taste brings in more of the same, though now the berries are less tart, everything is generally sweeter, and some strong notes of oak make themselves more than known. The body is a lithe medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a drying finish. Overall, an alright beer, but one that just seems too scattershot, too schizoid, to be truly effective to my tongue. Frankly, I'm glad I've held off on buying bottles of this in the $15 or so range... (695 characters)

Allagash's Odyssey burst forth with a richness and complexity that could be likened to an overladen rain cloud dumping itself across the cold dessert floor as part of a fast moving electrical storm at night. It's black body reveals glints of burgundy beneath its inch-high creamy ivory head; and the retention is quite nice, leaving short walls of almost completely solid lace that slowly erode to spots and splashes as you progress through the glass. Vanilla, dark caramel, raisins, and oak greet you in the nose along with some black licorice, a spritz of alcohol, a drizzle of dark chocolate syrup, chickory, some mild brown sugar, and the suggestion of cold black coffee. It's medium bodied and zesty in the mouth before warming to become somewhat airy. The flavor is even more intense than the nose suggests with the addition of some previously hidden yeasty fruitiness and spicy phenolics; and more dried dark fruit. As it warms, it rounds out quite a bit as the alcohol sinks down into its supple maltiness. Roastiness remains in the finish, but it also softens quite a bit as it's awash in dull dark fruit, alcohol, and soft, sweet vanilla. It's enjoyable for sure, but it's 10.4% abv does slow down its drinkability! (1,225 characters)

T: The taste starts out sweet with flavors of chocolate, coffee and dark fruit. Then some breadiness comes in from Belgian yeast and a hearty malt character. The hops presence is mild but complementary and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, strong kick, good representation of style, this is a solid dark Belgian-style beer to drink for a while if you’re in the mood for the style. (826 characters)

I am sincerely thankful to my brother tenderbranson69 for sharing this bottle with me- poured chilled from the corked and caged 750ml into a tulip glass.

A - An opaque mahogany shade w/ caramel translucent color at the glass' base w/ thick creamy light pale tan cap w/ tiny bead. The beer appears substantial in the glass and head retention is good. The lace is like a webbing of sugar pulled and stuck on the glass.

S - The aroma that you want a scente candle of - I could sniff this for hours. The scent of dark toffee and cocoa w/ toasted nuts. A mild maple + spice-like odor w/ belgian yeast esters which give a hint of fig and molasses aroma. The scent of coconut and light pepper rounds out the nose

M- A full feeling beer on the palate, moderately high effervesence w/ subtle warming. The feel is spicy w/ semi-dry finish. There is a creamy quality in the middle w/ slight sugary texture throughout.

T - The taste of dark nutty toffee and oaky toasted coconut w/ hints of dark cocoa and mild spice w/ a slight molasses hint in the background. The beer has a subtle pine hop taste which goes well with the yeast spiciness and also is complemented by the flavor of candy sugar. The alcohol is noticeable in the taste as well, but does not detract one bit, it finishes slightly strong and dry.

D - The drinkability is seriously high for such a high abv beer - 10%. I have probably not had a more drinkable beer of its strength, the flavor of the oak aging pushes the beer along and never gets in the way of the other components. Lots of belgian yeast character - a Must Try to me! (1,589 characters)

D- Crazy Crackers! This has to be, hands down, one of the most flavorful, complex and enjoyable beers I have had in a long time. Allagash makes brewing a quaffable 10% Belgian style beer look simple. Paired this with some hard goat cheese and bunderfleish. (941 characters)

Served on-draught into an 8 oz stem-goblet at The Bruery Provisions in Orange, California. It was overpriced of course (seeing as it was The Bruery). Expectations were extremely high given the brewery, which I'm rather fond of. Reviewed from notes.

A: Pours a 1.5 finger head of nice cream, good thickness, and great retention for the ABV. Colour is a solid nontransparent dark amber.

T: Complex and subtle, with all the notes from the nose plus more bright fermented fruit like cherry or even raspberry. Lightly toasted malt forms the foundation. Almonds, dried fruit, and raisins are all present. Quite nice. Full bodied yet delicate and enjoyable. No yeast. Nice layering. Incredibly well balanced. Nicely built for the style.

Mf: Smooth and wet, with a subtle cream undertone. Complements the flavours well. Delicate and light on the palate.

Dr: Very drinkable for the ABV - which is itself really well hidden. I rather enjoy it. It was high priced, but worth it. All things considered, I did expect this to be better - especially given its reputation and seeming trade value. It's really good, but it isn't great. Not worth trading some great for.

On-tap at Sheffield's last night for Phil's going away party. Served in a tulip glass.

A - Pours with a nice one-plus fingers of tan foam. Excellent retention that eventually gives way to a thick cap and ring and leaves plenty of attractive lacing. Body is a dark, dark brown color with slight transparency at the fringes of the glass.

S - This is reminiscent of a dark wheat/dunkelweizen, but on 'roids. Malted wheat, cloves, cocoa, candi sugar, as well as spicy, fruity, and rummy esters. Not picking up much of the barrel character - either it's very well integrated or very light. Very subtle and nuanced, and takes a while to warm up

T - Sweet caramel malts, a bit of sharp wheat, cocoa, light nuttiness, and a touch of toasted oak. Less clove and spice than in the nose. Again, it's very much like an imperial dunkelweizen with a touch of barrel. Booze is more mellow in the flavor than in the aroma.

D - This is a slow sipper, and a brew where I'd be happy with only one glass. It's very rich and nuanced, and as such demands a lot of engagement from the drinker. Also, while well-crafted, this particular collection of flavors doesn't personally speak to me - I like a little more roast and dark fruits in my BSDAs (a la The Viking or Rochefort 8).

I'm guessing the keg at the party was an earlier vintage, as there wasn't much of the barrel flavor noted by many other reviewers. It took about half a glass before I started to perceive appreciable oakiness. I'd be curious about comparing my experience to that from a fresh bottle. (1,709 characters)

Suited for adventure: husky brown, crimson highlights, cocoa head, a classic countenance, sets the mind in anticipation and the imagination loose.
whiskey screams from the nose, escaped from the bottle and ready to let fly with it's fury...rich malt and alcohol at the helm, steering us into the situation...prune, oak, raisin, plum are at guard on the side. what first stung now seems mellow, even sweet. Glorious.
Bold entrance on the palate, the rich, roasty, lush and fruity flavor floods the gates, and breaks down the door. Bourbon-y feel dominates the mouthfeel.
Other associations beckon forth...dark rum, molasses, slick, yet leathery...berries and grapes, the darker kind, come to match the onslaught of the whiskey.
Medium bodied,yet full with flavor, an relenting river of taste washes up and out with every swallow.
Finish is rather dry, just a touch sweet. Like any good drama.
The rush has been resolved, the quarrel abated, and the goals have been met: satisfaction sits in the glass, and a happy smile on the face of the drinker. We've gone to a wonderful place, throught the vessel that is this bottle, and it's noble contents, and come back better, stronger, wiser, even.
Can beer do that?
It already did.
May the force be with you. (1,265 characters)